Friday, September 28, 2007

"'There's plenty of new cavities coming through,' says Dr. Nicola Hill-Cordell, a Chicago area pediatric dentist. 'At least once a week, you get a new kid who is less than 2 with a cavity.'" Chicago is fluoridated

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

"Contrary to popular belief, the incidenceand prevalence of dental decay is not onthe decline. The aging population andlack of access to care are driving anincrease in caries among the broad population."

"The most critical way to assess the effectiveness of fluoridation is to examine how much money is spent within Regional Health Authority boundaries. For the purpose of this exercise, three regions have been chosen for close examination of dental health costs. The picture that emerges from artificially fluoridated districts is that more fluoridation usually results in higher expenditure."

Friday, September 21, 2007

In Connecticut, where fluoridation is required, "Young children, particularly those in HUSKY A, Head Start, and children with special healthcare needs, may be disproportionately affected by dental disease due to limited access to dental services."

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

"Cases of bad mouths are spreading among children in the region and it's not related to the language they use.

Public health and education officials, along with a Guelph dentist who fixes young people's teeth, are seeing a sharp increase in tooth decay and oral infection."

"'I'm seeing much bigger cavities, much faster, more rampant, and much more severe cases,' said Dr. Mohamed Hussein, one of a small number of local dentists who participates in the Children In Need of Treatment (CINOT) program."

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

"Getting affordable dental care is a difficult, if not impossible, task for many low-income residents. Many dentists won't take new patients because the reimbursement rate for people with medical assistance is so low, said Tom Mattke, Head Start director for the Green Bay School District."

Napan Jerry Hazel, 75, a recipient of both Medi-Cal and Medicare, is suffering from advanced tooth decay. Several years ago, Hazel said, he saw a dentist who ordered multiple tooth extractions and dentures. He said he has searched for an oral surgeon in Napa, but is unable to find one who takes Medi-Cal patients. Still unable to receive care, he regularly takes pain medications for his condition. Hazel said he occasionally seeks treatment for recurring gum infections caused by the lack of proper medical attention.

“Others must be going through what I’m going through. I just gave up all hope. Everyone says, ‘I’m sorry, Mr. Hazel. There’s nothing I can do for you.’”

Monday, September 03, 2007

91% fluoridated West Virginia: "...in a state with widespread oral health problems, including high rates of tooth loss and untreated decay. Walker has practiced dentistry for 36 years. As a volunteer at a free clinic in Charleston, he has seen the state’s dental crisis firsthand: rotten molars, infected gums, oral cancer."